Siskiyou Sled Dog Races coming up

Wednesday

Feb 6, 2013 at 12:40 PMFeb 6, 2013 at 12:46 PM

WEED – The Siskiyou Snow Dog Sporting Association invites the public to the 2013 Siskiyou Sled Dog Races this weekend, Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Deer Mountain/Chuck Best Memorial Snowmobile Park. Over 40 mushers are expected to compete from all over the Pacific Northwest.

The races will be starting from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Racing will be over by approximately 3 p.m. On Sunday, plan to stay later for the awards ceremony. This is a free event with free parking as well, but donations will always be gratefully accepted and used to hold future sled dog races. Pets must be kept on a leash. This a family event and no alcohol will be allowed.

The Big Blue Race Food Concessions Booth will have food, beverages, snacks and candies available to purchase. This booth is a project of the Kiwanis Club of Lake Shastina. All proceeds will benefit local nonprofit organizations.

DirectionsThe start/finish line is at the Deer Mountain/Chuck Best Snowmobile Park.From Weed, take Highway 97 north from Interstate 5 or from Klamath Falls, Ore., take Highway 97 south to the Deer Mountain/Chuck Best Snowmobile Park turnoff. The snowmobile park is approximately six miles off Highway 97. Carpooling is encouraged. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Carry chains and be prepared for winter weather. Visit SiskiyouSledDogRaces.com for the most up-to-date information. All times, locations and information are subject to change.

Race schedule for both daysEnjoy watching as mushers prepare their teams for the races and care for them after they’ve finished. The mushers are a friendly bunch. Always ask permission to approach a team. Impromptu demonstrations will take place throughout the event.8 a.m.: Mandatory musher meeting (not open to the public).8:30 a.m.: Opening Ceremony – MCs will be howling out times and racer information all day, both days.9 a.m.: Start – 18-mile – 16-dog teams.10 a.m.: Start – 13.5-mile – 6-dog mid-distance teams.11 a.m.: Start – 5-mile – 4-dog sprint teams.12 p.m.: Start – 5-mile – 1- or 2-dog teams – Skijoring (skier pulled by one of two sled dogs).1 p.m.: Start – 5-mile – 6-dog sprint.2 p.m.: Start – 10-mile – 8-dog sprint. On Sunday only at approximately 3:30 p.m. after the last racers have returned, an awards ceremony and closing ceremony will be held in the Warming Hut. Visit www.siskiyousleddograces.com for most current information, or call 926-3641 or 598-0466. Volunteers report to the warming hut for badges. Volunteer information is on the website. Siskiyou Sled Dog Races are a project of the SSDSA, a 501c6 nonprofit organization. Siskiyou Sled Dog Races are held under a Special Use Permit from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service on a non-discriminatory basis.